Portland Marathon Donating To Clean Up Occupy Parks

Every little bit counts: The Portland Marathon donates $4000 to clean up two parks near the start and finish. Photo: KATU

They presented a $4000 check to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Every little bit counts: The Portland Marathon donates $4000 to clean up two parks near the start and finish. Photo: KATU

If you ever feel that your race registration fee doesn’t do much good, here’s a story for you: KATU out of Portland, Oregon is reporting that the Portland Marathon has donated a $4000 check to the city that will be used to clean up Lownsdale and Chapman Squares.

Both parks had been damaged by the Occupy movement and are located near the start and finish of the race.

Though the $4000 will be appreciated by the city, it’s nowhere near enough needed to restore the park’s former beauty. Apparently, the Occupy protestors caused a total of $85,000 in damage.

According to a press release issued by the marathon, an additional $45,000 was spent by the Portland Parks and Recreation department during the protests to maintain the Occupy camps.

“The Portland Marathon is a terrific community partner,” said Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “Portland is very fortunate to have such generous support.”

In the same press release, officials said that the long-term effects of the trees in the park will not be known until the spring or later.

Duncan Larkin

Duncan Larkin is a freelance journalist and author who’s been covering the sport of running for over a decade. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. He wrote the book RUN SIMPLE, and coaches runners of all abilities.
You can learn more about him here: http://roadsmillslaps.tumblr.com/about